This cabinet card is quite unusual in that it has photographic images on both sides of the card. A very pretty ballet dancer is from the Alhambra Ballet production of Cupid is pictured in each image. In one photograph her legs are crossed while in the second photograph her legs are open and her undergarment is visible through her transparent tutu. The cabinet card is risque for it’s era. The Alhambra was a theatre in London, England. It was opened in 1854 as “The Royal Panopticon”. A circus ring was added and it was reopened in 1858 as the Alhambra. The theatre stage hosted music hall acts, aerial acts, ballet, light opera, and other events. The theatre was closed and demolished in 1936. This cabinet card features a dancer from the ballet, Cupid which opened at the Alhambra on 5/24/1886. The principal dancer in this production was Emma Bessone, and research reveals that the ballerina in this image is likely Emma Bessone. She was an Italian dancer who trained at La Scala and became prima ballerina for both the Maryinsky and Bolshoi companies in Russia. The photographer of this cabinet card was Samuel A. Walker whose studio was located in London. SOLD
TWELVE BRITISH POLICEMEN & A CAT : UNIFORMED WITH HELMETS : RPPC c1905

This striking antique real photo postcard captures a formal group portrait of twelve British police officers, likely taken in the early 1900s during the Edwardian era. Dressed in full uniform, the men are arranged in two neat rows, seven standing in back and five seated in front—outside what appears to be a stone police station or municipal building. Their uniforms are traditional for the period, featuring double-breasted tunics with shiny metal buttons, high collars marked with identification numbers, and the iconic custodian helmets adorned with royal insignias. Adding a subtle touch of hierarchy to the scene, one officer seated in the middle wears a peaked cap instead of a helmet, suggesting he may have held a higher rank, possibly an inspector. A few of the officers also display chevrons on their sleeves, denoting the rank of sergeant. One especially charming detail that sets this postcard apart is the presence of a cat, calmly perched in the arms of one of the seated sergeants—an unusual and endearing addition to an otherwise formal composition. SOLD

YUPPIE VICTORIAN COUPLE POSE FOR THEIR PORTRAIT IN ENGLAND
An attractive couple pose for their portrait in Falmouth, England. The couple are very well dressed and appear very comfortable in front of the camera. The photographer is W. M. Harrison. Harrison had studios in Falmouth, Helson, Truro and Redruth. William Marsden Harrison (1852-?) worked as a photographer in Scotland but worked in Falmouth beginning the early 1880’s. By 1900, Harrison had won over 30 medals for his photographs, many of them from international competitions (ie. France, Austria, Belgium, Holland). Judging by the back design, this cabinet card photograph is circa 1902. SOLD

MISS VIOLET CAMERON: SCANDALOUS STAGE ACTRESS

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CARTE de VISITE 1
Violet Cameron (1862-1919), was an English stage star. She was the niece of burlesque legend Lydia Thompson. Cameron began her stage career as a child in 1871. She played several child roles at the Drury Lane Pantomime theatre. As an adult, she played many prominent roles in the most important English theatres. In 1886 she came to America and played in “The Commodore” and “Kenilworth”. In 1893 she had great success in the stage play “Morocco Bound”. She was involved in several scandalous love affairs during her stage career.
Cabinet Card 1 is a product of Elliot & Fry, a prominent London photography studio.
Cabinet Card 2 was produced at the studio of W & D Downey in London, England.
Cabinet Card 3 is also by Downey. She looks lovely in her ruffly dress and her plunging neckline (relative to the cabinet card era) highlights her necklace. The reverse of the cabinet card has the stamp of Charles Ritzmann of New York City indicating that it was once owned by the esteemed purveyor of theatrical photographs.
Cabinet Card 4 also comes from the Downey studio. Cameron appears to be wearing a wedding dress in this cabinet card portrait.
The reverse of Carte de Visite 1 has an advertisement for Taunus Mineral Water. The natural sparkling water came from Springs located near Frankfurt, Germany. Miss Cameron’s portrait for this carte de visite was taken by the celebrated Walery studio in London, England.
GLADYS GRENVILLE : BRITISH SINGER AND ACTRESS : RPPC 1905
This vintage real photo postcard features British singer and actress, Gladys Grenville. A number of her stage appearances are credited in early British theatrical books and magazines. There is little biographical information about her life and career. She is pretty and has a great smile. The card has a 1905 postmark.This vintage postcard was published by Philco and is in overall good condition (See Scans).

Buy this Vintage Real Photo Postcard (includes shipping within the US) #5317
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$16.48

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DOROTHY THOMAS : PRETTY STAGE ACTRESS : RAPHAEL TUCK : RPCC
This vintage real photo postcard features stage actress, Dorothy Thomas (1882-?). She sat for five photographs in the collection of England’s National Portrait Gallery. She appeared in “The Prisoner of the Bastille” in 1909. Further research is needed to illuminate details of the pretty actress’s life. This postcard was published by Raphael Tuck & Sons as part of the “Celebrities of the Stage” series (T183).This portrait postcard is in overall good condition. Note the album hinge on the reverse of the card.

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$14.40

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DELIA MASON & CUTE DOG :STAGE ACTRESS & SINGER : BROADWAY : ROTOPHOT : RPPC 1905
This vintage real photo postcard features pretty stage actress and singer, Delia Mason (1880-1980). She is posed with a dog that appears to be a Jack Russell Terrier. There is little biographical information about her readily available online. She was a native of Coventry, England. There are seven portraits of Mason that can be found in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. Her first professional appearance was in “Three Little Maids” (1902) at the Apollo Theatre in London.
She was “discovered” by English theatre manager and producer, George Edwardes. A reviewer at her first performance, described her as “a tall and extremely good-looking with laughing blue eyes”. The reviewer also stated that she was an expert swimmer and oarsman, as well as an “ardent motorist”. Mason appeared in two Broadway productions; “Three Little Maids” (1903) and “My Lady’s Maid” (1906). She was married to Walter Wysard, a merchant and director of a number of companies. The couples son, Tony Wysard became a well known cartoonist and illustrator. This postcard was published by Rotophot as part of a series (No.0292). The company was based in Berlin, Germany. This postcard was postmarked in 1905. Mason was likely around 25 years of age when her photograph was taken for this card. Her photo was taken by the Hutchinson & Svendsen studio in Berlin, Germany. SOLD

PORTRAITS OF LILY ELSIE: BEAUTIFUL AND TALENTED STAGE ACTRESS (VINTAGE RPPC)
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Postcard 1 features celebrated stage actress Miss Lily Elsie (1886-1962). At the time of her portrait sitting for this image, Miss Elsie was also known as “Mrs. Ian Bullugh”. More about that later. Lily Elsie was a very popular English actress and singer. She was most known for her starring role in the London production of “The Merry Widow (1907)”. The show ran for 778 performances. A critic for The Pelican (1907) wrote that “the youthfulness, the dainty charm and grace, the prettiness and the exquisite dancing with which Miss Elsie invests the part…. I share the opinion of most of the first-nighters, who considered it could not have been in better hands, and could not have been better handled…. The night was a genuine triumph for Miss Elsie, and she well deserved all the calls she received”. She began as a child actress and before her big break had appeared in a number of Edwardian musical comedies. She was charming and beautiful and became one of the most photographed actresses of her time. Lily Elsie’s dad was a theater worker and her aunt was well known actress Ada Reeve. Shortly after the turn of the century she joined George Edwardes’ company at the Daly Theater. Some of her early appearances included “A Chinese Honeymoon”, “Lady Madcap”, “The Little Michus (1905)”. In the years between 1900 and 1906 she appeared in 14 shows. After the “Merry Widow” she appeared in 26 more shows including “The Dollar Princess” (1909) and “A Waltz Dream” (1911). She clearly was an actress who was in demand. Men paid her much attention but apparently she did not enjoy the attention. Lucile, her costume designer for “The Merry Widow” stated that Elsie was “absolutely indifferent to men and had once said that she disliked “the male character”. She added that men would only behave well if a woman “treated them coldly”. Now, some words about her marriage. In 1911 she he left the cast of a play in which she was performing to marry Major John Ian Bullough (1885–1936). Major Bullough was the son of a wealthy textile manufacturer. He was formerly married to actress Maude Darrell who only survived one year after their 1909 marriage. The marriage between Elsie and Bullough was reported to be very unhappy. Elsie’s health began to deteriorate and her husband pressured her to quit the stage and she was ready to do so. She returned to the stage during the war years (World War I) and was active in fund raising for the war effort. She next took a ten year break from the stage only to return once again. Her final performance took place in the Daly Theater in the play “The Truth Game” (1929). In addition to her theater career, Elsie made recordings, and appeared in two films, including D. W. Griffith’s “The Great Love” (1918). Also appearing in that film was Lillian Gish. In 1930 Elsie’s marriage ended in divorce. Her health began to deteriorate more and she developed hypochondriasis causing her to spend much time in nursing homes and sanitariums. Due to her psychological problems she had brain surgery. Her final years were spent at St. Andrews hospital in London. This postcard is part of a series (Arcadian no. A 26). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is the well known celebrity photographer, Rita Martin. She was considered one of the best British photographers of her time. She opened her studio in 1906. Martin’s sister, Lallie Charles was an esteemed society photographer. Many of Rita’s photographs can be found in the National Portrait Gallery. To view more photographs by Rita Martin in the cabinet card gallery, click on the category “Photographer: Martin”.
The second postcard of Miss Elsie provides a terrific close-up photograph of the beautiful Miss Elsie. She is wearing a dark jacket, a frilly high collared blouse and a ribbon bow tie. Her accessories include a long necklace, a pin low on her blouse, and a corsage. The postcard is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no. 4159 J) published by Rotary Photo. The photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield Studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio in the 1900’s through the 1920’s.
The third postcard features Lily Elsie clutching a bouquet of flowers and glancing sideways at the photographer. She looks absolutely beautiful. She is wearing a fancy beaded dress and a bracelet. She stands in front of a window. This photograph, like the second postcard’s photo, was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. The portrait postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (11840 F). The postcard was printed in Britain.
The fourth postcard is a portrait of a smiling Lily Elsie. She is wearing a flower, beads (pearls?), and a hairband. This photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield studio. The portrait postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (11593 B). This postcard captures Miss Elsie in her role as Alice in “The Dollar Princess” (1909). The venue for the play was Daly’s Theater in London and cast members included Joseph Coyne, Gabrielle Ray, Emmy Wehlen, and Gladys Cooper. (SOLD)
Postcard 5 is a portrait postcard of Miss Elsie that provides a terrific close-up photograph of the stage beauty. The postcard is part of the Rotary Photographic Series (no.11841D) published by Rotary Photo. The photograph was taken by the Foulsham & Banfield Studio. Foulsham & Banfield were well known celebrity photographers. Frank Foulsham and A. C. Banfield operated a studio in the 1900’s through the 1920’s. (SOLD)
Postcard 6 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (4484D). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 7 is a vintage real photo postcard featuring celebrated stage actress Miss Lily Elsie (1886-1962) in costume for her role in “The Merry Widow” (1907). This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (4827U). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 8 features celebrated stage actress Miss Lily Elsie (1886-1962) in costume for her role in “The Merry Widow” (1907).This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (4827J). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1909. This postcard has an interesting message. The writer appears to be having difficult times. She opens the message with the announcement that she can’t afford to send anymore postcards because her “cash is nearly gone”. She also complains about the “rotten weather”. (SOLD)
Postcard 9 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827S). The card is uncommon. The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 10 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827P). The photographers of this uncommon image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 11 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827V). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 12 This postcard captures Elsie in her role in “The Merry Widow”. The card was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827W). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 13 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827M). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The postcard is uncommon. (SOLD)
Postcard 14 was published by C.W.F. & Co. and is part of a series (no.457C). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Johnston & Hoffmann. The card was postmarked in 1905. (SOLD)
Postcard 15 was published by J. Beagles & Co. and is part of a series (no.179L). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is celebrated female photographer, Rita Martin. (SOLD)
Postcard 16 was published by Rapid Photo and is part of a series (no.1284). The photographer of this image is the Johnston & Hoffmann studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 17 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4124B). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known studio of Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 18 was published by Philco Publishing and is part of a series (no.3381B). The card was written in 1907. (SOLD)
Postcard 19 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4827N). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known celebrity photographers, Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 20 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.11775A). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known studio of Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 21 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1996A). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known studio of Foulsham & Banfield. The postcard has a 1906 postmark and a British stamp. (SOLD)
Postcard 22 is uncommon and was published by Davidson Brothers and is part of a series (no.1479). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is Draycott Galleries . (SOLD)
Postcard 23 was published by J. Beagles and is part of a series (no.127A). The photography studio that took this image of this beautiful actress is Ellis and Walery. (SOLD)
Postcard 24 captures Miss Elsie wearing a fantastic hat and a beautiful smile. Miss Elsie is seen in costume for her role in “A Chinese Honeymoon” (1903). The plot of the play concerns couples who honeymoon in China and unknowingly breaks the kissing laws. The show was the first musical to run over one thousand performances. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1656/C). The photographer of this image is celebrated female photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. The postcard has a 1906 postmark and a British stamp. (SOLD)
Postcard 25 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.1656/C). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is celebrated female photographer, Rita Martin. The postcard has a 1913 postmark and a British stamp. (SOLD)
Postcard 26 captures Miss Elsie in this photo in her role as Franzi in the stage production of the operetta, “A Waltz Dream”. This postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.11841/F). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is the Foulsham & Banfield studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 27 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.11502/C). The photographer of this image of this beautiful actress is the Foulsham & Banfield studio. (SOLD)
Postcard 28 captures Lily Elsie in her role in “The Merry Widow”. This uncommon postcard was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.4826A). The photographers of this image is the well known studio of Foulsham & Banfield. The card was postmarked in 1908. (SOLD)
Postcard 29 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.11427B). The photographers of this image is the well known studio of Foulsham & Banfield. (SOLD)
Postcard 30 was published by C.W.F. & Co. and is part of a series (no.457C). The photographers of this image of this beautiful actress are the well known female celebrity photographer, Lizzie Caswall Smith. The card was postmarked in 1904. (SOLD)
Postcard 31 was published by Rotary Photo and is part of a series (no.11594C). The photographer of this crisp image of this beautiful actress is the well known celebrity photographic studio, Foulsham & Banfield. This postcard captures Miss Elsie in her role as Alice in “The Dollar Princess” (1909). The venue for the play was Daly’s Theater in London and cast members included Joseph Coyne, Gabrielle Ray, Emmy Wehlen, and Gladys Cooper. (SOLD)

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